Ruggles Green - City Centre

Today was beautiful in Houston, and sitting on the Ruggles Green patio for lunch was devine.  Ruggles Green, the newest addition to City Centre, has had my interest for a few weeks now.  It reminds me of the Ruggles of yesterday and today.  It's consistent.  You know what you are getting.  Although, I thought the prices were a tad high.  $8.95 for a Caesar Salad -- without protein. (add another $3.95 for chicken).   The interior design is light, bright, and airy.  The staff was friendly and prompt.

I ordered the Chicken Curry Salad ($12.95).  It was fresh and flavorful.  The chicken was dipped in a curry yogurt, which had excellent curry flavor -- not too curry-ish.  The perfect curry.  The carrots, jicama, raisins, dried mango, slivered almonds and mandarin oranges added a nice variation of textures and flavors.  Not usually a fan of sweet dressings, the orange honey dressing complimented the salad nicely.

My lunch date ordered the Classic Ham and Cheese Panini.  Excellent sandwich -- hearty....for a girl (not so hearty for a man).  The sourdough, ham, and cheeses (Gruyere and Brie) melted into sinful, delectable bites -- full of the crispiness that a panini demands.  The house-cut french fries that accompanied the sandwich were very tasty.  While a little on the soggy side, the seasonings were right on the spot.   The fries were addictive and delightful.

Every good meal should, would, needs to end with dessert....so ours did....with the Domino Cake.  Chocolate cake layered with white and chocolate mousse.  These types of cakes are always a gamble to me  -- is the cake going to be dry, is the mousse boring, or the other extreme, too sweet.  This cake met the maximum gratification.  The chocolate ganache on top, and the chocolate cake on bottom were rich, yet the middle mousses were light, giving this cake the perfect formula for scrumptiousness.  And, the strawberry/mango sauce on the side was an excellent pairing as well.

I might have to save up my money to head back to Ruggles Green for a casual lunch, but I will go.  I had a fantabulous experience.

Ruggles Green
@ City Centre
(Also, 2nd location at River Oaks)
713-464-5557
www.rugglesgreen.com